
Join us for two days of mountain fun and learning in the stunning Cairngorms. Designed and delivered by RAW’s qualified Winter Mountain Leaders, Introduction to Winter Mountain Skills is perfect for anyone looking to increase their hiking confidence in snow and wintry conditions.
You’ll learn all the essential skills and techniques to navigate and move safely through snow and ice, opening up a whole new world of year-round walking in beautiful winter landscapes.
Led by RAW’s qualified guides in small, friendly groups of 6, you’ll learn:
- Correct use of ice axes and crampons for safe and efficient movement through snow and ice
- Effective route-planning for confident walking in winter conditions
- How to successfully navigate over snowy ground
- How to interpret weather and avalanche forecasts, and apply them correctly to your route planning
- Essential winter kit and how to dress appropriately for winter conditions
Winter Mountain Skills with RAW Adventures
RAW Adventures is a renowned activity and learning provider with unparalleled expertise in the UK mountains. All leaders on our Introduction to Mountain Skills courses hold nationally and internationally recognised outdoor awards and qualifications from Mountain Training. We keep our groups small (1 leader to every 6 participants) to ensure a safe and personalised experience, and you’ll get support, kit lists and guides before the event to help you get the most out of your time in the mountains.
When you join a RAW adventure, you’ll benefit from over 30 years of mountain leading experience and enthusiasm to match.
Cannot recommend RAW Adventures enough. Kate looked after us from the outset every step of the way right up to the summit even in the poor weather conditions we had. Extraordinarily knowledgeable of every facet of the mountain and absolute pros through and through.
Stewart John
Who's it for?
Introduction to Mountain Skills is designed for anyone with a good level of fitness looking to extend their hiking experience to wintry mountain landscapes. It’s a beginners course, so you don’t need any previous experience in snowy or icy conditions, but you will need to be able to withstand sustained activity over several hours, including steep ascents and descents.
We will cover high-level terrain which is rocky, snowy, icy and uneven underfoot, so your muscles and heart need to be used to getting out of breath! If you’re unsure whether Introduction to Winter Mountain Skills is right for you, please contact our friendly team - we’ll be happy to help.
Book your place
Introduction to Winter Mountain Skills is £215 per person for the two day course, with an instructor ratio of 1:6. Accommodation is not included, but we will provide you with recommended overnight options in Aviemore.
FAQs
Where is the course held?
Introduction to Winter Mountain Skills takes place in the Cairngorms mountain range in Scotland. We’ll start each day in Aviemore (find Aviemore on Google Maps).
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
When you book, you’ll receive a full kit list with details of clothing and equipment needed for this course. If there’s anything on the list you don’t have, we can provide them for a small hire fee. Crampon compatible boots, crampons and ice axes can be hired from Tiso in Aviemore (just book the “Boots, Crampon and Walking Axe” package from the Aviemore store.
We will begin our course by collecting these items and helping you fit them, so there’s no need to collect them before the course starts. More information on hiring options will be provided when you book.
I've never hiked in winter mountains before - can I still come?
Introduction to Winter Mountain Skills is a beginners course, so you don’t need any previous experience in snowy or icy conditions, just a good level of fitness and the ability to withstand sustained activity over several hours, including steep ascents and descents. If you’re unsure whether Introduction to Mountain Skills is right for you, please contact our friendly team - we’ll be happy to help.
Is the course accredited?
Introduction to Winter Mountain Skills is not accredited. For details of accredited courses, check out our Qualifications page.
Can I pay by deposit?
Yes. For any courses costing over £200, you’ll be offered the option to pay in instalments at checkout, unless your event is less than 2 months away, in which case we’ll require full payment.
Still have questions? Get in touch with our team.
I extend my thanks for a truly magical day yesterday on Tryfan. Our group have a varied level of experience and that was managed so well. Everyone had the most exhilarating and incredible day and yet at all times felt perfectly safe – RAW Adventures made our weekend and we thank you for it.
Paul Williams
You might also like...

Hill Skills
Mountain Training’s Hill Skills course is aimed at the beginner hill walker and ideal for those interested in developing a practical understanding of how to plan walks.

Mountain Skills
Mountain Training’s Mountain Skills Course will provide the confidence and skills to step off the beaten track and safely enjoy the higher mountain areas of the UK and Ireland.

Rock Skills
Whilst you enjoy climbing in one of the UK’s most exciting locations, you will also learn and develop key technical and safety skills for your future climbing adventures.

Winter Mountain Skills
RAW Adventures can provide support and guidance to anyone wanting to extend their current summer walking experience to ascend our UK mountains in winter conditions.

Snowdonia Scrambling Weekend
We have some of the most exciting and rewarding scrambles right on our doorstep! This may prove to be one of the most memorable weekends you can do in the UK mountains.

Trek Training
This two day course is specially designed for groups and individuals who are preparing for an overseas trek – maybe as part of an organised group or charity event.
Instagram
#QuitTalkingStartDoing